Cllr. Sibongile Tsoleli expressed deep concern following a controversial sermon delivered by Thuso Motaung from Lesedi FM last Sunday, in which he allegedly suggested that women should avoid going out at night to prevent instances of abuse.
Tsoleli was addressing people who attended a gathering outside the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court organised by the Mangaung Speaker Lawrence Mathae.
Tsoleli, a vocal advocate for gender equality and women’s rights, condemned the remarks as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and condoning the very acts of gender-based violence (GBV) that the community is striving to eradicate.
“We were deeply disturbed by the sermon of Ntate Thuso, where he implied that women should stay home at night to avoid becoming victims of abuse. Such statements are not only misguided but dangerous. They place the blame on women instead of holding perpetrators accountable. Women are human beings with rights, and they should be free to move about as they wish without fear of violence.” Said Tsoleli addressing people.
Tsoleli called on Thuso Motaung to reconsider his stance, as it contradicts the principles of justice and equality that the community upholds.
“The responsibility does not lie with women to avoid abuse. Women have the right to live freely, without restrictions imposed by the threat of violence. We cannot allow such outdated and harmful ideas to take root in our community.” Tsoleli stated.
